Patience was something Zach Strief (6'7", 320 lbs) needed to develop heading into his eighth season, and he did. He no longer bent at the waist or lunged to reach outside rushers, instead allowing his long arms to do the work as he slid and mirrored rushers. Strief blossomed as a pass protector in 2013, keeping the face of his quarterback clean and showing the versatility to handle either power or speed off the right side.

Run Block 37/50

A big man with the physical gifts to maul defenders, Strief too often plays high in the running game and will struggle to get the leverage needed to push the pile. When asked to reach an outside linebacker, he can be inconsistent. The best play for him is to simply lock onto head-up defensive ends and turn their shoulders to open an off-tackle rushing lane.

Overall 84/100

Ranked at No. 23 among all right tackles last year, Strief made huge strides in 2013. His balance, patience and instincts were all improved, and it showed, as he was asked to protect and provide passing lanes for Drew Brees. He allowed just three sacks in 647 pass-blocking snaps.

And that right there is why he'll probably not be returning next season... But hey, at least Graham will be making $10+ million per season. At least Ben Watson can block so that should help Bryce Harris.

I take anything from BR with a grain of salt but this is a lot closer to the truth than people here who bash the guy. He's a very good RT and always has been. He had his problems in 2012 while playing injured and that's all some people want to remember. And a lot of the same people will be pissing and moaning and blaming Brees' contract when the O'Line is worse for his leaving.